Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

Which legislation provides financial incentives for demonstrating meaningful use of technology?

1. HIPAA

2. HITECH

3. ARRA

4. CMS

The correct answer is: HITECH

The correct answer is HITECH, which stands for the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. This legislation was part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 and specifically aimed to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. By providing financial incentives to eligible healthcare providers and institutions, HITECH encourages the use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology to improve patient care, coordinate health information, and enhance access to electronic health data. The emphasis on "meaningful use" refers to achieving specific objectives that enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery. While HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) establishes standards for the protection of patient data and privacy, it does not offer financial incentives related to technology use. ARRA is the broader legislative package that includes HITECH, but it is HITECH specifically that outlines the incentives for meaningful use. CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is an entity that administers many healthcare programs and is involved in the implementation of meaningful use criteria; however, it does not itself provide financial incentives but rather oversees the distribution of incentives laid out by HITECH.